Anmeldung: how to register your place of residence
Registering your address at the Bürgeramt is the first mandatory step after moving. Without it you cannot open a bank account or get a tax number.
Everyone who settles in Germany is required to register their address (Anmeldung) at the local authority (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt), usually within two weeks of moving in. This is a basic procedure on which almost everything else depends.
What to bring with you:
- your international passport (and documents of family members);
- confirmation from the housing provider (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), signed by the landlord;
- the completed application form (Anmeldeformular) — the form is available on the city's website.
After registration you will receive a confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung). You need it to open a bank account, obtain a tax number (Steuer-ID), apply for benefits and use other services.
An appointment (Termin) often has to be booked online in advance — in large cities free slots can be scarce, so plan ahead. The exact requirements and forms depend on the city, so check the page of your Bürgeramt.
Official sources
This article is a general guide in Ukrainian, not legal or tax advice. Rules may differ from one federal state to another and may change over time; always check the official sources listed below or contact the relevant authority or a qualified professional.